Introduction:
Bethany College is a small liberal arts college located in West Virginia. Founded in 1840, the college is known for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and rich history. Over the years, Bethany College has produced several notable alumni, including two U.S. Senators and a Nobel Prize winner. In this blog post, we’ll explore some fun facts about Bethany College that you may not know.
Bethany College was the first college in West Virginia
Bethany College holds the distinction of being the first college in West Virginia. The college was founded in 1840 by Alexander Campbell, a prominent religious leader and educator. Campbell believed in the value of education and established Bethany College as a place where students could receive a quality education rooted in the Christian faith. Today, Bethany College continues to uphold Campbell’s vision and provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in all areas of life.
Bethany College’s status as the first college in West Virginia is not its only claim to fame. The college is also home to the oldest building in continuous use for educational purposes west of the Allegheny Mountains. Known as Old Main, the building was completed in 1858 and has served as a classroom, administrative office, and dormitory over the years. Today, Old Main is a symbol of the rich history and tradition of Bethany College and is a beloved part of campus life.
Bethany College has a strong athletic program
While Bethany College is known for its academic rigor, it also has a strong athletic program that has produced several notable athletes over the years. The college’s mascot is the Bison, and its sports teams compete in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference. Bethany College offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling.
One of the most notable athletes to come out of Bethany College is Eric Fisher, who was the first overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft. Fisher played football for Bethany College from 2009 to 2012 and was a standout offensive tackle. He went on to have a successful career in the NFL, playing for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills.
In addition to producing talented athletes, Bethany College also has a rich tradition of hosting sports events. The college has hosted the West Virginia Open golf tournament several times, and its football stadium, Bison Stadium, has hosted several high-profile games over the years.
Bethany College is home to the Campbell Mansion
The Campbell Mansion is a historic landmark located on the campus of Bethany College. The mansion was built in 1793 by Alexander Campbell’s father, Thomas Campbell, and was home to several generations of the Campbell family. Today, the Campbell Mansion is a museum that houses artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Bethany College and the Campbell family.
One of the most interesting artifacts on display at the Campbell Mansion is Alexander Campbell’s study. The study contains the original desk and chair that Campbell used while he was president of Bethany College. The room has been preserved to look just as it did when Campbell used it, giving visitors a glimpse into the life of one of the college’s most influential figures.
The Campbell Mansion is also home to a collection of rare books and manuscripts that are available for research purposes. The collection includes works by Alexander Campbell and other influential figures in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as well as historical documents related to the founding and early years of Bethany College.
Bethany College has a strong commitment to community service
At Bethany College, community service is an integral part of campus life. The college encourages students to get involved in service projects both on and off campus, and many students choose to spend their free time volunteering in the local community. In fact, Bethany College was recently recognized by the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its commitment to community service.
One of the most popular community service projects at Bethany College is the Alternative Spring Break program. Each year, a group of students travels to a different location to volunteer for a week. Past locations have included New Orleans, Detroit, and Appalachia. Students have worked on a variety of projects, including home repair, disaster relief, and food distribution.
In addition to the Alternative Spring Break program, Bethany College students are involved in a variety of other service projects throughout the year. These projects include tutoring local students, working with the elderly, and volunteering at local food banks and homeless shelters. By getting involved in these projects, Bethany College students are able to make a positive impact in their community and gain valuable skills and experiences.
Bethany College has produced several notable alumni
Over the years, Bethany College has produced several notable alumni who have made significant contributions in their fields. One of the most well-known alumni is John McCloy, who served as Assistant Secretary of War during World War II and later as the U.S. High Commissioner for Germany. McCloy was a key figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy in the post-World War II era.
Another notable Bethany College alum is Jennings Randolph, who served as a U.S. Senator from West Virginia for 26 years. Randolph was a champion of civil rights and played a key role in the passage of several important pieces of legislation, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Bethany College also has a Nobel Prize winner among its alumni. Albert Michelson, who graduated from Bethany College in 1873, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1907 for his work on measuring the speed of light.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Bethany College is a small liberal arts college with a rich history and vibrant campus life. From its status as the first college in West Virginia to its commitment to community service and strong athletic program, there are many fun facts to discover about this unique institution. Whether you’re a student, alumni, or simply a fan of higher education, Bethany College is a place worth exploring.
